City Education Group
About Us
City Education Group (CEG) is a leader in delivering high-quality, innovative educational experiences, empowering students to achieve their academic and career aspirations. Spanning four distinct colleges, CEG provides a diverse range of programs, including second-level, third-level, professional qualifications, CPD, and English language training. With over a decade of excellence, we continue to expand and innovate, ensuring our programs meet the evolving needs of learners in an ever-changing global landscape. In 2024, CEG announced the addition of PEN (Planet Education Networks) as a new shareholder, marking an important milestone in our continued growth & success.
We are now seeking an accomplished and strategic Group Financial Controller to join our leadership team. This pivotal role will oversee the financial operations of our multi-entity organisation (4 separate entities), driving financial sustainability, compliance, and strategic growth.
Role Overview
The Group Financial Controller will be responsible for managing day-to-day financial operations, ensuring robust compliance with regulations, and providing strategic financial insights to support CEG’s continued growth. The role demands a proactive, commercially minded leader with a strong ability to analyse financial data, develop forward-looking financial strategies, and enhance operational efficiencies.
Key Responsibilities
* Financial Reporting & Compliance:
* Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for all separate entities, ensuring full compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
* Manage year-end financial reporting, liaising with auditors to ensure a smooth and timely audit process.
* Ensure adherence to revenue recognition policies and tax regulations.
* Budgeting & Financial Planning:
* Lead the budgeting and forecasting process for 1, 3, and 5-year financial plans for all entities.
* Partner with department heads to develop accurate revenue and expenditure forecasts.
* Provide variance analysis, identifying financial trends and recommending corrective actions.
* Monitor cash flow on a regular basis and implement strategies to optimise financial stability.
* Internal Controls & Risk Management:
* Review, maintain and strengthen (where necessary) strong internal controls to safeguard financial integrity and mitigate risk.
* Coordinate and support external audits, ensuring comprehensive and timely responses to audit queries.
* Continuously assess financial risks and implement strategies to minimise exposure to the same.
* Strategic Financial Leadership & Decision Support:
* Provide financial insights and recommendations to senior leadership on business expansion, capital investments, and cost optimisation.
* Contribute to strategic initiatives, including pricing structures, funding applications, and financial sustainability models.
* Develop financial models and reports to facilitate data-driven decision-making.
* Team Leadership & Cross-Departmental Collaboration:
* Lead and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous learning.
* Collaborate with academic, administrative, and operational teams to align financial strategies with institutional goals.
* Engage with external stakeholders, including auditors, regulators, banks, and government agencies, to maintain strong financial governance.
* Financial Systems & Process Optimisation:
* Enhance financial systems and reporting tools to improve efficiency and accuracy.
* Implement automation initiatives to streamline financial processes and reduce manual errors.
* Oversee financial system upgrades and ensure seamless integration with IT infrastructure.
Candidate Profile
Qualifications & Experience:
* Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. A relevant professional qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, CPA) is required. [Must be a qualified Accountant]
* Minimum 7+ years of experience in financial management or accounting, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
* Proven experience in financial strategy, budgeting, and compliance within a multi-entity organisation (experience in the education sector is an advantage).
* Strong commercial acumen and a track record of successfully working with diverse and demanding stakeholders.
* Proficiency in financial reporting systems (experience with Sage 50 or similar accounting software is advantageous).
* Strong knowledge of Office 365 suite (Word, Excel, Outlook etc).
* Ability to develop and integrate multiple finance systems.
* Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
* Demonstrated ability to lead and develop the financial team at CEG.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information clearly and succinctly.
* Ability to manage competing priorities, work under pressure, and adapt to changing regulations.
* Good team player
What We Offer:
* Competitive salary package (commensurate with experience).
* Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities.
* A dynamic and supportive work environment in a growing education group.
* Career advancement pathways within the expanding education sector.
* A collaborative and forward-thinking leadership team dedicated to excellence and innovation.
Line Management
* The successful candidate will report on a day -to-day basis to the CEO and ultimately to the Chair and Board of Directors
Job Details:
* Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
* Location: Dublin, Ireland
* Salary Range: Competitive – €75,000 - €80,000 Depending on Experience
Join City Education Group and play a key role in shaping the financial future of a leading education institution. If you are a results-driven financial leader with a passion for strategic impact, we invite you to apply today! #J-18808-Ljbffr